Make the monogram your style statement

Bespoke, monogrammed luggage, linen, bags, jackets etc. have been around for centuries. While having one’s initials sewn on clothes and linen and even embossed on crockery and cutlery was fashionable in the Raj era, it is making a comeback. These days it’s considered cool to flaunt at least one luxury item that has either your initials or full name splashed prominently across, for the world to see.

Louis Vuitton luggage and Goyard totes look dull if they don’t come with their owner’s initials in the midst of customised coloured strips, which are painted in the centre of the luxury goods. Shilpa Shetty and Nita Ambani have lately been spotted with their customised Goyard totes.

And the brand that is promoting the cause of displaying one’s full name or initials these days is Eddie Parker. Launched in 2010 by Brett Heyman, the former director of public relations at Gucci, Edie Parker is described as a branded collection of vintage style acrylic clutches and handbags inspired by bags favoured by showgirls and socialites during the ’50s and the ’60s.

The brand offers a bespoke service where the clutches, which come in creamy surfaces and gem flaked textures, can be truly personalised by having not just your initials, but your full name embossed on them. Singer Katie Perry, actors Emma Roberts, Kate Hudson, Beyonce’s sister Solange Knowles and a host of other fashionistas are fans of the brand.

Charu Sachdev, CEO of TSG international, which owns the store Kitsch, is bringing these clutches (and their bespoke service) to India in August. Talking about why she likes to monogram some of her luggage, Charu says, “I don’t like to splash my name across everything, but it is sometimes practical to have monogrammed luggage as it becomes more identifiable on the conveyor belt.”

The item also becomes more distinguished and there is a stronger feeling of ownership with monogrammed goods, adds Charu. Interior designer Sravanya Pittie says monogrammed cushions too are proving to be a popular choice for wealthy homeowners. “We get clients who choose Roberto Cavalli cushions personalised with their initials.”

Apart from being a sign of true luxury, this is also a great way to show people that you care for them. When Sravanya was getting married, she had twenty credit card holders from Todd’s personalised with the initials of her closest girlfriends. “I wanted to give them something personal and special, not a run-of-the-mill gift. And I chose credit card holders as they are something that are practical and will be used by them frequently.”

But the most popular item to be monogrammed has always been luggage. Gautam Sinha, the man behind the chic Delhi-based brand Napa Dori, which makes bespoke leather goods, says he gets a lot of clients asking for suitcases to be monogrammed with their initials. He, however, advises people not to go overboard with stamping their names across everything.

“Once something is monogrammed, it can’t be erased,” he warns. It’s also wise to be understated says Gautam, who personally likes to put monograms inside. And for long Indian names, it is best to stick to initials.